Psalm 147:10
New International Version
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;

New Living Translation
He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.

English Standard Version
His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

Berean Standard Bible
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

King James Bible
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

New King James Version
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

New American Standard Bible
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.

NASB 1995
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.

NASB 1977
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.

Legacy Standard Bible
He does not delight in the might of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.

Amplified Bible
He does not delight in the strength (military power) of the horse, Nor does He take pleasure in the legs (strength) of a man.

Christian Standard Bible
He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; he does not value the power of a warrior.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; He does not value the power of a man.

American Standard Version
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD doesn't care about the strength of horses or powerful armies.

English Revised Version
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He finds no joy in strong horses, nor is he pleased by brave soldiers.

Good News Translation
His pleasure is not in strong horses, nor his delight in brave soldiers;

International Standard Version
He takes no delight in the strength of a horse, and gains no pleasure in the runner's swiftness.

Majority Standard Bible
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

NET Bible
He is not enamored with the strength of a horse, nor is he impressed by the warrior's strong legs.

New Heart English Bible
He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Webster's Bible Translation
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

World English Bible
He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He does not delight in the might of the horse, "" He is not pleased in the legs of a man.

Young's Literal Translation
Not in the might of the horse doth He delight, Not in the legs of a man is He pleased.

Smith's Literal Translation
He will not delight in the strength of the horse: he will not be pleased in the legs of a man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He will not have good will for the strength of the horse, nor will he be well pleased with the legs of a man.

New American Bible
He takes no delight in the strength of horses, no pleasure in the runner’s stride.

New Revised Standard Version
His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He delights not in the strength of the horse; he takes no pleasure in the legs of a mighty man.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH does not delight in the power of a horse, neither delights in the legs of a mighty man.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse; He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He will not take pleasure in the strength of a horse; neither is he well-pleased with the legs of a man.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
It is Good to Sing Praises
9He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. 10He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. 11The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.…

Cross References
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Proverbs 21:31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Hosea 1:7
Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.”

Psalm 33:16-17
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1 Peter 1:24-25
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.


Treasury of Scripture

He delights not in the strength of the horse: he takes not pleasure in the legs of a man.

delighteth

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 33:16-18
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength…

Job 39:19-25
Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? …

he taketh

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

2 Samuel 2:18-23
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe…

Jump to Previous
Delight Delighteth Horse Legs Pleased Pleasure Strength
Jump to Next
Delight Delighteth Horse Legs Pleased Pleasure Strength
Psalm 147
1. The prophet exhorts to praise God for his care of the church
4. His power and wisdom
6. His mercy
7. His providence
12. To praise him for his blessings upon the kingdom
15. For his power over the elements
19. And for his ordinances in the church














He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
In ancient times, horses were symbols of military power and strength, often used in warfare and chariotry. The Israelites, unlike their neighboring nations, were not known for their cavalry, as God instructed them not to rely on horses for military might (Deuteronomy 17:16). This phrase emphasizes that God's favor and delight are not in human military power or physical strength. Instead, it reflects a broader biblical theme that God values faith and reliance on Him over human capabilities (Psalm 20:7). The horse, often associated with Egyptian and Assyrian armies, represents reliance on worldly power, which God consistently warns against.

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
The "legs of a man" symbolize human strength and physical prowess. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, physical strength was highly valued, especially in warriors and athletes. However, this phrase underscores that God does not find pleasure in human physical abilities or achievements. Instead, it aligns with the biblical teaching that God values the heart and character over outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). This can also be seen as a reminder of the limitations of human strength compared to divine power, as echoed in Isaiah 40:29-31, where God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. This phrase points to the futility of relying on human strength and the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 147, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing praise and insights about God's character and actions.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, whose preferences and delights are being described.

3. Horse
Symbolic of military strength and power in ancient times, often used in warfare.

4. Man
Represents human strength and ability, particularly in physical prowess or military might.

5. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalm is addressed, often relying on God's strength rather than their own.
Teaching Points
God's Values vs. Human Values
God does not measure worth by physical strength or military power, but by faithfulness and reliance on Him.

Trust in Divine Power
Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God's power rather than their own abilities or resources.

Spiritual Strength Over Physical Strength
Spiritual strength, characterized by faith and obedience, is more valuable to God than physical prowess.

Humility and Dependence
Recognizing our limitations and depending on God cultivates humility and aligns us with His will.

Reassurance in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, believers can find reassurance in God's control and His preference for spiritual over physical strength.(10) Strength of the horse . . . legs of a man.--This somewhat strange antithesis has been explained to refer to cavalry and infantry, but the much more expressive passage, Psalm 33:16-17, which was plainly before this poet, would hardly have been altered so strangely. The horse as a type of strength and endurance was of course common. (Comp. especially Job 39:19-25.) And we have before seen that Eastern nations naturally select fleetness of foot as the typical quality in a vigorous warrior. (See Psalm 18:33.)

The constant epithet "swift-footed Achilles," suggests the best explanation of the second clause of the verse. (Comp. 2Samuel 2:18).

Verse 10. - He delighteth not in the strength of the horse. In a certain sense, God no doubt "delights" in the glory and excellency of all his creatures; but their physical endowments do not give him the sensible pleasure which he derives from the moral qualities of his rational creation (see ver. 11). The negation is not absolute, but relative (compare "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice"). He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man; i.e. in his strength and swiftness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He does not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

delight
יֶחְפָּ֑ץ (yeḥ·pāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

in the strength
בִגְבוּרַ֣ת (ḇiḡ·ḇū·raṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory

of the horse;
הַסּ֣וּס (has·sūs)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

He takes no
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

pleasure
יִרְצֶֽה׃ (yir·ṣeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7521: To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debt

in the legpower
בְשׁוֹקֵ֖י (ḇə·šō·w·qê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 7785: The, leg

of the man.
הָאִ֣ישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person


Links
Psalm 147:10 NIV
Psalm 147:10 NLT
Psalm 147:10 ESV
Psalm 147:10 NASB
Psalm 147:10 KJV

Psalm 147:10 BibleApps.com
Psalm 147:10 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 147:10 Chinese Bible
Psalm 147:10 French Bible
Psalm 147:10 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 147:10 He doesn't delight in the strength (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 147:9
Top of Page
Top of Page